Susan Oswald

Susan is one of the founding Partners of SKO.  She was elected to the Law Society of Scotland Council, first in 2017, and again in 2020. She is one of only seven accredited Child Law Specialists in Edinburgh and is also accredited as a Family Mediator.

Both the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners recognise Susan's skills and ability. The 2022 Edition of the Legal 500 note, "Susan Oswald is a leading lawyer for complex child cases, including with an international element.’, by way of follow up to the commentary in the 2021 Edition, which noted that is Susan is "‘an unfailingly calm beacon of strength’; ‘particularly effective in child-related disputes’ she ‘combines cool analysis with an effortless ability to put even the most stressed of clients at ease’.

Chambers and Partners current Edition notes of Susan, "She is very knowledgeable and capable, meaning you feel extremely secure working with her." "She gave me outstanding advice, was very hands-on and followed up on all the issues that arose." "Susan is a very good mediator and excellent in child cases."

Susan is known as an experienced, sensitive, straightforward and direct solicitor. She is unusual in Scotland as someone who is both highly regarded as a court lawyer- regularly appearing in court and also being appointed by Sheriffs as a reporter and curator ad litem in family cases- whilst also being a skilled and in-demand mediator- there are few busier mediators in Scotland. 

Susan advises across the full spectrum of family law matters, including separation, divorce and financial provision and has particular expertise in cases which have both financial and child elements, given her specialism in child law, which includes residence and contact cases as well as adoption (often international adoption) and specific issue order applications, including relocation. Susan also has a significant practice acting for Local Authorities, County Councils and Charities in relation to public law child matters, including the placement of children and adoption intra-UK and child protection issues. 

Susan has been a member of the Family Law Association for many years and on the Committee since 2013. She has an MA (Hons) in addition to her Law degree, both from the University of Edinburgh.